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Girlfriends in God - Apr. 24, 2009

Today’s Truth Deuteronomy 31:6 (NLT) “So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

Friend to Friend Did you know that three out of five of us women have been sexually violated? Or that over fifty percent of us are spending more money than we make? Did you know that one out of two marriages will fail, leaving a wake of loneliness, fear, and financial instability for those left behind? What about substance addiction or cancer, did you know that half of us are struggling with them this very moment?

These statistics are only the tip of the iceberg. Pick up any newspaper and you will read about rising unemployment, war, genocide, and a falling stock market. In my city, today’s paper headlines the record flooding that has happened over the last three days, leaving many people’s lives and homes in a state of devastation. The world seems to be in a downward spiral as one negative event leads to another.

I imagine you sitting at your desk or kitchen counter reading this with one hand on the delete button because the opening of this devotional was anything but uplifting. Am I right? I don’t blame you. I didn’t want to write those statistics because it is as painful to write as it is to read.

But wait – just give me one more minute.

Here is the truth: Virtually every person you and I encounter is struggling with something in their life. Life can be overwhelming at times, even for the most “put together” person. Circumstances can lead us to believe that we are alone and isolated. There are times when feelings of grief, fear or anger feel like they will consume us.

How is your world today? Regardless of how you answer, you must know what really matters. You matter. You really matter because God created you and He cares for you. Someone is reading this devotional today that needs to know that you were not a mistake! You are rare and beautiful in God’s eyes (Psalm 139). And because you matter, God will help you and He will never leave you (Deut 31:6).

So be strong and courageous…YOU are what really matters!

Let’s Pray Dear Heavenly Father,

I need you Lord. Life is tough and it seems overwhelming at times. I will not be swallowed up by negative circumstances because I trust You for my future. I believe that You have gone before me and are protecting and caring for me right now. I pray that You will give me the faith, knowledge and wisdom to move forward into a life that you desire for me to have. Thank you, Lord, that I matter to You.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Now it is Your Turn 1) You are what matters! Meditate on Psalm 139. If you do not have a Bible, you can look up this passage online at: www.crosswalk.com under the heading, “Search the Bible” on the right side of the home page.

2) Remember that you are not alone - God and others surround you and believe in you. Do not be afraid to ask for help! The stress of life situations can lead you to feel like you are in quicksand. Life can become confusing and it may feel like you cannot maintain focus. Don’t stay stuck. Take action toward improving your situation. First, ask God for His help. Then ask a friend to help you brainstorm small steps to help you. God will surprise you with the solution to a problem by working through the people around you – when you are willing to ask for help.

3) “Doing good” by giving or serving has been scientifically proven to have healing powers. You can start small by giving a word of encouragement or an act of kindness. When you “do good” for others, you are guaranteed to be encouraged and strengthened! 1